Second Nature Care Blog

Rickettsia infections are spread through ticks, mites, fleas or lice. Rickettsial infections include: anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and Q fever, Rickettsia parkeri infection and Rickettsia species 364D . The most deadly of the infections in the United states is Rickettsia rickettsii infection (Rocky Mountain spotted fever [RMSF]). Most of these cases occur in children ages 5-9 . The risk factors and severity of the disease depend on factors such as delay or lack of treatment, age, Native American decent, G6PD or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and immunocompromised states.

RMSF typically presents itself with fever, headache and a rash. "This triad is present in only 3% of early infections, but the prevalence increases to 60% to 70% by 2 weeks after the tick bite." Other initial symptoms include generalized malaise, weekness and myalgia. Without the appropriate treatment, death can ocur 7-15 days after onset. Fever typically subsides within 24 - 48 hours of starting treatment. Failure to clinically improve within 48 hours suggests a different diagnosis. Long term effects of the infection can include: hearing loss, blindness and gangrene which can lead to amputations of digits and extremities.

The principal diagnostic test for RMSF is serologic testing with an immunoflourescence antibody assay. "Paired testing (during the acute and convalescent phases) has a sensitivity of 94%. A 4-fold or greater increase in antibody titer (with a minimum titer of 1:64) between acute and convalescent samples is considered diagnostic of acute infection."

According to the review article published in the Clevlan Clinic Journal of Medicine, " doxycline for 7 days is the treatment or choice for RMSF, Rickettsia parkeri infection, or Rickettsia species 364D infection, “including in pregnant patients with life-threatening disease and in children.”

1. While these are all rickettsial infections, which is the most common and most likely to cause death if left untreated?

A. Being of Native American descent increases the risk for severe RMSF diseaseB. Without appropriate antibiotic therapy, the case-fatality rate with RMSF is over 20% and death occurs 7 to 15 days after symptoms onsetC. Fever, headache, and a rash make up the classic triad of RMSFD. Most cases of RMSF occur in adults ages 25 to 35

3. Any of the following diagnostic tests can be performed in patients suspected to have RMSF, Rickettsia parkeri infection, or Rickettsia species 364D infection, but which is considered the principal diagnostic test?

4. While all of the following agents can be used in the treatment of RMSF, Rickettsia parkeri infection, or Rickettsia species 364D infection, which is the treatment of choice?

A. ChloramphenicolB. DoxycyclineC. Tetracycline

5. How many hours after starting treatment does fever typically subside in patients with RMSF?

A. Between 6 and 12 hoursB. More than 72 hoursC. More than 72 hours

Igenex is great first testing for Lyme and co-infections using PCR analysis. Advanced Labs in PA cultures Lyme bacteria to amplify it to see if it is alive. I and my patients want to know if we are looking at past antibody production or are we looking at an active disease state?

We test and treat Lyme and co-infections. Ozone Therapy is a safe and effective treatment for Lyme and co-infections. Let's discuss which Lyme test is the best test for you. You have testing choices and treatment options. All ozone therapies are MD and FNP ordered and administered in NYS.

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About Me - In Connecticut

Isadora Guggenheim is a board certified and licensed naturopathic physician and RN in CT.

Over the past thirteen years, and over 6000 clients, I've successfully treated neurological disorders, Parkinson's, Lyme disease, MS, inflammatory arthritis, Hashimoto's, thyroid conditions, erectile dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, allergies, ADD/ADHD, infertility, asthma, mood disorders and hormone imbalances. Treating autoimmune conditions is personal to me because I have experience with an inflammatory autoimmune disease. Because I've felt the pain and fear of a chronic, debilitating illness, I am on a mission to prevent and reverse the ravages of autoimmune disease.

Naturopathy is defined as the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease and health optimization by stimulation and support of the body’s natural healing processes, as approved by the State Board of Naturopathic [sic] Examiners, with the consent of the Commissioner of Public Health.

The practice of the profession of nursing as a registered professional nurse is defined as diagnosing and treating human responses to actual or potential health problems through such services as case finding, health teaching, health counseling, and provision of care supportive to or restorative of life and well-being, and executing medical regimens prescribed by a licensed physician, dentist or other licensed health care provider legally authorized under this title and in accordance with the commissioner's regulations. As a nurse practitioner, Dr. Guggenheim is recognized as a primary care provider who can diagnose and treat patients. She has full prescribing rights and works collaboratively with Dr. Janis L. Enzenbacher, M.D.

The practice of the profession of massage therapy is defined as engaging in applying a scientific system of activity to the muscular structure of the human body by means of stroking, kneading, tapping and vibrating with the hands or vibrators for the purpose of improving muscle tone and circulation.